10 things to know about gangs operating in Bexar County

By Joshua Fechter

on September 2, 2015 2:56 PM

Scroll through the slideshow for 10 things you need to know about gangs operating in Bexar County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Scroll through the slideshow for 10 things you need to know about gangs operating in Bexar County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Scroll through the slideshow for 10 things you need to know about... Photo-8571694.116276 - San Antonio Express-News

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1. 55 percent of gang members from the Texas Department of Public Safety's Region 6, which includes much of Central Texas, entering the Texas prison system in fiscal year 2014 came from the San Antonio-New Braunfels area. less

1. 55 percent of gang members from the Texas Department of Public Safety's Region 6, which includes much of Central Texas, entering the Texas prison system in fiscal year 2014 came from the San Antonio-New ... more

1. 55 percent of gang members from the Texas Department of... Photo-6979631.116276 - San Antonio Express-News

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2. Tango Blast, the Tango clique known as the Orejones, the Texas Mexican Mafia and the Aryan Brotherhood are among the most prominent prison gangs operating in Bexar County.

2. Tango Blast, the Tango clique known as the Orejones, the Texas Mexican Mafia and the Aryan Brotherhood are among the most prominent prison gangs operating in Bexar County.

Photo: Bexar County Sheriff's Office

2. Tango Blast, the Tango clique known as the Orejones, the Texas... Photo-7855567.116276 - San Antonio Express-News

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3. The Tango Blast prison gang won't likely stop growing soon: The Texas Department of Public Safety attributes this to the lack of "blood-in, blood-out membership" (which allows the easier recruitment of new members) and a lack of hierarchy or by-laws. less

3. The Tango Blast prison gang won't likely stop growing soon: The Texas Department of Public Safety attributes this to the lack of "blood-in, blood-out membership" (which allows the easier recruitment of new ... more

4. The Texas Mexican Mafia, which considers San Antonio its capital, has an estimated 4,700 members and is expected to "remain organizationally effective" despite continuous targeting by law enforcement.

4. The Texas Mexican Mafia, which considers San Antonio its capital, has an estimated 4,700 members and is expected to "remain organizationally effective" despite continuous targeting by law enforcement.

6. The Latin Kings and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) have each become Tier 1 gangs, posing the "greatest gang threat to Texas due to their relationships with Mexican cartels, high levels of transnational criminal activity, level of violence, and overall statewide presence." less

6. The Latin Kings and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) have each become Tier 1 gangs, posing the "greatest gang threat to Texas due to their relationships with Mexican cartels, high levels of transnational criminal ... more

Photo: Luis Romero, Associated Press

6. The Latin Kings and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) have each become... Photo-7773411.116276 - San Antonio Express-News

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7. Mara Salvatrucha, a Los Angeles-based transnational street gang formed in the 1980s for Salvadorian immigrants, is growing after an influx of gang members crossed the border illegally in 2014 from Central America, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

7. Mara Salvatrucha, a Los Angeles-based transnational street gang formed in the 1980s for Salvadorian immigrants, is growing after an influx of gang members crossed the border illegally in 2014 from Central ... more

8. Latin Kings, which also became a Tier 1 gang, is considered the most prominent gang with female members, who are referred to as "Latin Queens." The gang has an estimated 2,100 members.

8. Latin Kings, which also became a Tier 1 gang, is considered the most prominent gang with female members, who are referred to as "Latin Queens." The gang has an estimated 2,100 members.

Photo: Www.bexar.org/da/

8. Latin Kings, which also became a Tier 1 gang, is considered... Photo-4390722.116276 - San Antonio Express-News

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9. Other significant gangs operating in Bexar County include the Texas Syndicate, Bandidos and the Partido Revolucionario Mexicano.

9. Other significant gangs operating in Bexar County include the Texas Syndicate, Bandidos and the Partido Revolucionario Mexicano.

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, .

9. Other significant gangs operating in Bexar County include the... Photo-5407217.116276 - San Antonio Express-News

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10. Traditional rivalries between gangs such as the Bloods, Texas Syndicate and the Texas Mexican Mafia appear to be diminishing as members try to seek financial gain by smuggling and selling drugs and weapons among committing other crimes. less

10. Traditional rivalries between gangs such as the Bloods, Texas Syndicate and the Texas Mexican Mafia appear to be diminishing as members try to seek financial gain by smuggling and selling drugs and weapons ... more

Photo: Www.bexar.org/da/

10. Traditional rivalries between gangs such as the Bloods, Texas... Photo-4390726.116276 - San Antonio Express-News